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BORN
1947
DIED
2020
FUNERAL HOME
Harlan Berghorst Obituary
On Jan. 14, 1947 Harlan was born in Los Angeles, Calif. to Henry and Hermina (VanHolland) Berghorst. At age one, the family moved to South Dakota where they grew up on the family dairy farm. He was nicknamed "Butch" by his paternal grandfather.
Harlan was blessed to grow up with three sisters, Janice Siemonsma, Ardith Berghorst and Deanne Kracht and infant brother Ronald who passed away shortly after birth.
On June 21, 1965, Harlan married the love of his life Phyllis Elaine Trotter, celebrating 55 years.
He was very proud of his Dutch heritage, and took pleasure in hard work, and ranching. With a solid arm and a steel shovel, he worked construction for Custer County Highway Department. In 1971 Harlan began employment with the City of Broken Bow dedicating 34 years of service, and spending the last several years as Superintendent of Street, Park and Pool.
During this time, he also owned/operated Berghorst Tree Service for 50 years with his son Jeff and grandson Jonathon. He also owned a livestock operation with his son, Josh. In 2005, he went on to own and operate Berghorst Land Clearing for 15 years. His role in the family business, as manager and leader, introduced him to many people he considered family. Due to health conditions, he retired in 2019.
The strength of his body, mind, and spirit shaped a life of stewardship and love. He was a great mentor to many young children. He had great pride in and love for each child, grandchild and great-grandchild, and honored they were given his namesake.
Harlan is survived by his wife Phyllis of Broken Bow; daughter Alicia (Ryan) Kelly of Lexington; sons Jeff (Lisa) Berghorst of Broken Bow and Josh (Christy) Berghorst of Berwyn; special foster son Austin (Donny) Furrow of Cheyenne, Wyo.; grandchildren Jonathon (Kaleigh) Berghorst, Lacey (Nate) Holcomb, Lexie Berghorst (special friend Jordan), Brandon Gottschalk (special friend Taylor), Derek (Shadell) Gottschalk, Emily Gottschalk, Devin Berghorst, Alex Berghorst, Trey Berghorst and Wade Berghorst; great-grandchildren Harley Berghorst, Raegan Berghorst, Chandler Berghorst, Everleigh Holcomb, Jamie Holcomb, Skylinn Gottschalk and Brecken Gottschalk; sisters Janice Siemonsma, Ardith Berghorst and Deanne Kracht; sisters-in-law Linda (Marvin) Johnson and Jan Trotter; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents Henry and Hermina Berghorst; infant brother Ronald; parents-in-law Herman and Ruby Trotter; sisters-in-law Francis Trotter, Shirley Trotter and Mary Hendrickson; and brothers-in-law Ted Hendrickson and Clifford Trotter.
A private funeral service will be Saturday, May 23 at 2 p.m. at Govier Brothers Chapel in Broken Bow with Pastor Becky Dobitsch officiating. The funeral will be live streamed at www.govierbrothers.com. Burial will be in the Broken Bow Township Cemetery.
Visitation will be Friday, May 22, 2-7 p.m. and Saturday, May 23, 9 a.m. to noon at Govier Brothers Mortuary.
Memorials are suggested to First Presbyterian Church Sunday School Fund or Custer County 4-H Activities.
Govier Brothers Mortuary are in charge of arrangements. An online guest book can be signed at www.govierbrothers.com.
Govier Brothers Mortuary will comply with the CDC and State of Nebraska. We sincerely encourage each person to make their decision whether to attend a visitation based on the best interest of their health and that of the community.
Memories and Condolences
for Harlan Berghorst
Sponsored by Govier Brothers Mortuary & Crematory - Broken Bow.
22 Entries
Sandy Schall
May 30, 2020
Our prayers and thought go out to you.
May 29, 2020
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief, and find comfort from knowing that God draws close to the broken-hearted.
Max, Ut, Ross and Alexa Trotter
May 23, 2020
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Jerolyn Brown
May 23, 2020
My thoughts and deepest sympathy for your family. Keep memories close, they will help.
Jan Trotter
May 23, 2020
You will never be forgotten. Rest in peace, Butch. Your legacy lives on.
Patrese Cody
May 23, 2020
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Dan and Sandy Eggleston
May 22, 2020
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. We just heard about Harlan passing. God bless you all. Harlan was a really nice guy.
Brad & Kelly Bell
May 22, 2020
Harlan it has been a pleasure working with you for these past years, thanks for the memories.
Thelma Symanietz
May 22, 2020
Phyllis & family you all have my deepest sympathy. They say your best friends as a child is your cousins. Butch and his sisters were mine. I have so many memories of Butch growing up. We had so much fun and got in so much trouble. As we got older we all went our separate ways, but we never forgot about each other.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Much love.
Glenn & Carol Clark
May 22, 2020
Good friend and co-worker. We will all miss him.
Doretta McFall
May 22, 2020
Thoughts and prayers to the family, Harlad was a great guy and co-worker with my husband for many years at there time as a city employee, some great memories.
Richard Miedema - Cousin
May 22, 2020
Our sincere condolences. Rich will truly miss his partner in naughtyness!!!!
Jessica Larson (Hardisty)
May 21, 2020
Phyllis,
I am so sorry for your loss. Harlan was an amazing man and will be dearly missed. I'm glad I had the pleasure of knowing him as a friend and I looked up to the both of you. We love you and are thinking of you.
Debbi Clay-Dady
May 21, 2020
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. Hugs Prayers
bob harrold
May 21, 2020
You were a great person to a lot of people no matter their relationship to you, and a very good boss. You are in good hands.
Arlene Lyddon
May 21, 2020
My sincere condolences.
Kathy Fowler
May 21, 2020
Awesome guy. Enjoyed assisting him when he came into the clinic. Thinking of family at this difficult time. (((Hug))) Alicia!!
Terry Lewis
May 21, 2020
Harlan always treated me well when I was employed by the Park Department. He was a real good guy!
Deanne Loehr
May 21, 2020
Our sympathy and prayers to the Berghorst families in the passing of dear friend, Butch! My love to Phyllis, during this time of mourning and for the days following...many memories of your families and mine.
Showing 1 - 22 of 22 results
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Memorial Events
for Harlan Berghorst
May
22
Visitation
2:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Govier Brothers Mortuary & Crematory - Broken Bow542 South 9th Ave., Broken Bow, NE 68822
May
23
Visitation
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Govier Brothers Mortuary & Crematory - Broken Bow542 South 9th Ave., Broken Bow, NE 68822
May
23
Funeral service
2:00 p.m.
Govier Brothers Mortuary & Crematory - Broken Bow542 South 9th Ave., Broken Bow, NE 68822
Funeral services provided by:
Govier Brothers Mortuary & Crematory - Broken Bow542 South 9th Ave., Broken Bow, NE 68822
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